Student Loan Consolidation Assistance

Financial aid helps students attend college. Financial aid has many forms to apply such as Stafford loans, Plus loans, need-based, work-study programs and Grants and Scholarships. Some of these loans you have to pay back, some are loans are given to you as need-based monies, grants and loans (see Sallie Mae Perkins loan page), and scholarships are monies you do not have to pay back. Work-study programs are like having a job on campus, where you a pay check once a week. Financial aid loans are a way to help students pay for college.

Alternative student loans: commonly known as private student loans - usually cover what Federal loans do not, up to the total cost of college education minus selective aid already received

Financial aid is a supplemental program that helps students pay for college that might not otherwise have the means to further the college education. Once you are accepted in the college you want to attend, you may begin the financial aid process. If you apply for financial aid early enough you can get other programs and possibly these programs as well that are based-need, based on merit, scholarships and grants. Once your financial aid is completed the rest of the paper work should be finished at the college you are attending. Check with the financial aid office, as they can be very helpful with the process of filling out these forms.

Grants (such as the Pell grant) and scholarships are considered free money from the government, meaning you do not have to pay them back. These grants are usually granted to students who are in need of financial aid but do apply for them if you think you may be eligible for them. They are to help you pay for college tuition. Most scholarships are basically awarded on merit or special conditions. However, not all colleges offer scholarships and you need to know which ones will as they are usually listed on the respective college website. You need to know when to apply for these scholarships, you do not need to miss out on the deadline and then you will not be eligible for it.

Federal work-study program allows you to be able to work on campus and around you classes for several hours a week. It lets you have a lot of flexibility when a regular job would not allow. You get a paycheck, which is a means of financial aid and is your money to spend as you wish. Check with your college for other financial aid options that may be available to you.

Financial aid, based-need, merit, grants and scholarships are all available to you to help you pay for the education you deserve towards a better future.